Living Strong: The Flip Side of Adversity

In this episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with David Schultheis, President & CEO of The Pathway School, for a thoughtful conversation on Authentic Leadership.   Drawing from more than 40 years in human services and education, David shares how servant leadership, authentic learning experiences, and a deep commitment to people have shaped h...

Caroline Campana-Reynolds joins us to discuss the journey from living by default to living by design. In this inspiring episode, she shares lessons on leadership, healing, boundaries, self-worth, and personal transformation that can help anyone create a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

In this meaningful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with educator, scholar, and transformational leader Dr. Cherie L. Crosby-Weeks for a timely conversation titled:   “Maintaining My Joy Meter Despite the Noise”   With more than 30 years of experience spanning early childhood education through higher education, Dr. Crosby-Weeks shares how sh...

In this powerful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with nationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, corporate leader, and resilience advocate Erika Rothenberger for a transformational conversation titled:   ✨ “The Audacity to Be YOU” ✨   After surviving a brutal assault in 2022, Erika made a courageous decision: she would not allow t...

In this inspiring episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with entrepreneur, designer, and visionary leader Lia Valencia Key for a powerful conversation titled:   “Your Predicament Does Not Determine Your Destiny”   From homelessness, hunger, and personal loss to building a luxury jewelry brand featured on Good Morning America, The Mel Robbins Show...

In this inspiring episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with nationally recognized nonprofit leader Marissa Christie, President & CEO of United Way of Bucks County, for a timely conversation titled:   “The Flip Side of Leadership: Courage Before Confidence”   When Marissa stepped into the CEO role in 2016, the organization was facing financia...

In this powerful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity – 2026 Leadership Edition, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with Deputy Secretary Shante’ A. Brown, a trailblazing leader and the first African American to serve in this role for Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning.   With over a decade of experience—from PreK teacher to Director of PHLpreK to statewide leadership—Shante...

Most organizations have 20% of the people do 80% of the effective work. I lead a church and that rule held true for us as it does with most churches. As a frustrated pastor, a creative, and a critical thinker I began to ask the questions why more people don’t get involved and serve. Two major reasons… we don’t offer enough options with time and different types of opportunities. We created a week o...

In this episode, we sit down with State Representative Morgan Cephas, Chair of the Philadelphia Delegation, to discuss her journey into public service and how she is working hard for Philadelphia in Harrisburg. From advancing maternal health equity through landmark legislation to tackling affordability and expanding workforce opportunities, Rep. Cephas shares how she’s working every day to improve...

In this powerful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with Denise Williams, founder of Be ReZilient, community advocate, and resilience coach, for a transformative conversation titled:   “A Bold Force: Leading and Revitalizing Communities.”   At a time when leaders are exhausted, stretched thin, and navigating constant change, Denise brings a refreshing and necessar...

In this powerful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity, Dr. Veirdre Jackson is joined by Shakira W. Smith, Chief Operating Officer, veteran educator, and school leader with over 20 years of experience, for a timely conversation titled:   “Calm Leadership in Uncertain Times.”   During one of the most disruptive periods in modern education—marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest—Shakira ch...

When Leadership Gets Uncomfortable: Navigating Adversity Without Losing Yourself explores what it truly means to lead when the conditions are hard, the stakes are high, and the people dynamics are complex. In this episode, Iola Harper reflects on leading through uncertainty, conflict, and change—when clarity isn’t guaranteed and resilience is constantly tested. Drawing from real-world experience,...

In this powerful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with Global Trainer and Leadership Coach Katina Christmas Robertson for a timely conversation titled:   “From Maintenance to Momentum: The Leadership Flip That Restored My Clarity and Capacity.”   In a season marked by downsizing, quiet quitting, and doing more with fewer resources, many leaders have quietly shif...

In this powerful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with Bridgett Hitchings—educator, social worker, and Founder & CEO of Maggie’s Village LLC—for a timely conversation titled:   “The Heart of the Matter: Cultivating Belonging Using Healing-Centered Practices.”   With over 20 years of experience in youth development and leadership, Bridgett unpacks what belong...

In this powerful episode of The Flip Side of Adversity, Ayana Fernandes Pilgrim and I explore “A Great Quaking”—a deep, internal shaking beneath work, identity, and purpose that many are experiencing right now, particularly Black women. Our guest shares how this quaking unfolded through layered loss: grieving loved ones, leaving a DEI role she once loved, and ending a 27-year marriage—an intimate...

  A conversation about the unseen emotional and leadership shifts that come with starting over—including capacity, caregiving, identity change, and the grief that can accompany reinvention. Ariel Baker shares how adversity reshaped her leadership, her definition of success, and the work she now builds in community.

This week on Flip Side of Adversity®: Leadership in Uncertain Times, we’re joined by Dr. Nia Imani Bailey for a powerful conversation on the transformative power of Agape love in leadership and business. Dr. Nia shares her Flip Side story of surrender, purpose, and obedience, offering practical insight on leading with integrity, compassion, and courage during uncertain times. This episode invites...

In this powerful episode of Flip Side of Adversity®: Leadership in Uncertain Times, Dr. Veirdre Jackson sits down with Dr. Danielle Martin to explore “The Weight Leaders Carry: Grace, Grief, and Overcoming.” Together, they unpack the invisible burdens leaders shoulder during seasons of loss, uncertainty, and high demand—while still being called to show up for others. This conversation offers hones...

Tonight’s episode of The Flip Side of Adversity brings together four unforgettable voices from the She Shines Conference—each offering a powerful blueprint for rising in purpose. Bridgett Mack shows us that breaking points can become birthing points when we choose to “grow our own.” Coach Katina Christmas Robertson dismantles the lies of imposter syndrome and challenges us to stop shrinking from r...

We recapped transformational moments from She Shines: She Matters, featuring:   Dr. Nia Bailey — reminding us we already carry the tools for healing, alignment, and resilience.   Dr. Monique Gary — challenging us to release what’s toxic and create intentional spaces for wellness and restoration.   Dr. Deborah Witt & Dr. Sanul Corrielus — breaking down cardiovascular health and why protecting y...

If you missed the She Shines: She Matters Conference, tonight’s episode of The Flip Side of Adversity is your chance to catch the fire, the wisdom, and the sisterhood that filled that room. 🔥💛   I’m bringing you the voices that lit up the conference and reminded every woman that purpose, power, and authenticity still matter.   💫 Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake She opened the room with truth: When a w...

Join me for a powerful and faith-filled episode of The Flip Side of Adversity with the incredible Robyn Scott-Johnson — author, speaker, wife, mother, and woman of unshakable faith.   A proud West Philly native and the author of Joyful Living: A Story of Faith and Family, Robyn is sharing her powerful Flip Side Story — a mother’s fight to save her daughters through life-threatening illness and lif...

In this powerful episode, “She Matters: Your Very Being Means That You Have PURPOSE,” Robin and I are diving into what it truly means to walk boldly in purpose, shine unapologetically, and empower others to do the same. 💖   From the boardroom to the pew, Robin has spent decades creating spaces where women of color can connect, collaborate, and celebrate their divine design. Her story is one of fa...

The Flip Side of Adversity featuring the powerhouse Tish Baldez — global business coach, speaker, and master facilitator who’s helping leaders all over the world achieve success beyond their expectations!   We’re breaking down how to discover your “Only One, Only” — how to show up so authentically and powerfully that clients, teams, and audiences know you’re the one they want to work with.   Let’s...

What do you do when adversity tries to write your story for you? At just 14, Crystal Carmen Caple was kidnapped—a moment that could have ended everything. Instead, it became the spark that fueled her resilience.   Tomorrow on The Flip Side of Adversity at 5PM EST, Crystal joins me to share how she transformed trauma into triumph—becoming a Scientist, Emotional Pattern Expert, entrepreneur, and now...